Khandagiri flyover ‘unsafe’, traffic diverted for 12 days; huge jam, commuters suffer

Commuters in Bhubaneswar are facing major inconvenience as the Khandagiri flyover has been closed for routine maintenance work on Friday. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Bhubaneswar, requested the diversion to facilitate repair of the grade separator structure.

According to an official notification issued by the Commissionerate Police, vehicles coming from Bhubaneswar towards Khordha on NH-16 will be diverted through the service road in front of Hotel Kharavela up to the TVS showroom. This diversion will remain in effect for 12 days, from August 21 to September 1, 2025.

The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety and to ensure smooth traffic flow during the maintenance period. However, the diversion has already caused heavy congestion at Khandagiri Square, leading to public frustration. Many commuters have complained about long traffic jams and delays while traveling through the service road.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been assigned the repair work, and officials have sought additional time to complete the project. Commissionerate Police has urged citizens to cooperate with the temporary traffic restrictions and assured that measures are being taken to manage the situation.

Meanwhile, locals have expressed displeasure, alleging that the lack of timely maintenance has worsened the problem. Authorities said that announcements will be made through public address systems and wide publicity will be given in print and electronic media regarding the traffic diversion.